Menstrual Products Put in Garbage Do Not Flush Menstrual products, including pads, tampons and panty liners, should not be flushed down the toilet. These items can clog plumbing and wastewater systems. Ways to Reduce A Zero-Waste Period Ready to say goodbye to single-use products? From menstrual cups to reusable pads and absorbent underwear, there are an increasing number of options on how to manage your menstrual cycle without any unnecessary waste. Did You Know? Menstrual Pads and Your Health Need another reason to do away with single-use menstrual pads? Menstrual pads have been found to contain toxic chemicals such as phthalates and VOCs, which are linked to a number of harmful health consequences including endocrine disruption, cancers, and developmental and reproductive harm. Pesticides in Menstrual Products If you care about eating organic food, you may also care about using organic menstrual products. Why? Non-organic products are made with cotton that has been sprayed with conventional pesticides during the growing process, and then bleached using a chemical such as chlorine to turn them bright white. These chemicals can be absorbed into the body during use.